Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Remember Me's 'Neo-Paris' was a 'late choice,' US / AU both considered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/remember-mes-neo-paris-was-a-late-choice-us-au-both-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/remember-mes-neo-paris-was-a-late-choice-us-au-both-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/remember-mes-neo-paris-was-a-late-choice-us-au-both-cons/#comments Remember Me's 'NeoParis' was a 'late choice,' US AU both consideredThe art style of Dontnod Entertainment's "Neo-Paris" in Remember Me is stunning, and the vision of a futuristic Eiffel Tower glimmering in the background of many images gives the game a distinctive look - not dissimilar from the beauty of modern day Paris. The city may be a staple of the game now, but Remember Me's development saw Nilin potentially memory jacking foes in the United States or Australia before settling on the dev team's home base.

"Since the beginning, I really wanted to have Remember Me not being all French, for instance," Dontnod creative lead Jean-Maxime Moris told us in an interview this week at Gamescom. "Neo-Paris was a late choice, because we wanted to stay away from it. We had that global warming element to the game," Moris added, a reference to the concepts we saw last year when the game was still known as "Adrift."

"First we thought about Australia or the US, and then we were like, 'Well, let's just stick to Paris, because we have all the material, it's a great city, and it hasn't been done in the way we wanna do it,'" Moris said. Beyond just a thematic shift, the choice of Neo-Paris fits with the game having an international feel, he said.

"There are French elements to the game, but we wanted it to have some American appeal - kind of really extending the scope of the city, and the characters, and the scope of the robots. And at the same time, there is definitely a Japanese feel to it with the cyberpunk theme. Japanese have been eating cyberpunk for breakfast for 30 years now. Ghost in the Shell, and Akira and all those things," Moris added.

We might've followed up to that question, but we were too busy thinking about Japanese people eating cyberpunk for breakfast. What a dangerous proposition!

JoystiqRemember Me's 'Neo-Paris' was a 'late choice,' US / AU both considered originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adriftaustraliacapcomdontnoddontnod-entertainmentfrancegamescom-2012jean-maxime-morismicrosoftneo-parisparispcplaystationps3remember-meunited-statesxboxFri, 17 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Louvre now offering 3DS guides]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-louvre-now-offering-3ds-guides/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-louvre-now-offering-3ds-guides/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-louvre-now-offering-3ds-guides/#comments ImageWe're going to level with you -- this post is about more than the fact that the Louvre is now offering visitors 3DS-enabled guides. We've known that was coming since it was first announced last year. It's great that visitors can take guided tours, listen to commentary, find their location and browse detailed 3D models of various works, but none of those things compare to the above photograph, in which Nintendo's beloved Shigeru Miyamoto takes in some art.

Feel free to come up with a hilarious caption, or just drink in the childlike wonder.

JoystiqThe Louvre now offering 3DS guides originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfrancelouvrenintendoFri, 13 Apr 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/#comments Some kind of "presentation" of Epic Mickey 2 will occur next week, according to a tweet from France's Nintendo Magazine. Being a Nintendo magazine, the publication specifically highlights a 3DS version called "Power of Illusion" - a name that recalls classic Mickey games like World of Illusion and Castle of Illusion. The tweet also points to a "classic" 2D game that will be shown during next week's event, but stops short of providing any actual details.

A sequel to 2010's Epic Mickey has been rumored for some time, to the extent that box art for the game has even been bandied about by a marketing survey. Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the development house behind Epic Mickey, was hit by layoffs last January after the Wii-exclusive title launched, likely due to massive losses in Disney's interactive (read: games) department.

Update: Disney Interactive declined to comment, saying it had "no information to share at this time."

JoystiqRumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosepic-mickey-2europe-leaks-everythingfrancejunction-pointjunction-point-studiosnintendopower-of-illusionTue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Black Ops 2' listing spotted on Amazon France]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/report-black-ops-2-listing-spotted-on-amazon-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/report-black-ops-2-listing-spotted-on-amazon-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/report-black-ops-2-listing-spotted-on-amazon-france/#comments In an entirely unsurprising turn of events, a listing for "Call of Duty: Black Ops 2" reportedly popped up on Amazon France this week. GameBlog.fr spotted the listing and grabbed a screenshot (seen above) before it was allegedly pulled, which has resulted in a bit of a kerfuffle between Activision's French arm and the site.

Earlier this year we reported that Activision had already snapped up domain registrations for a variety of Black Ops sequels (all the way up to "Black Ops 6", actually), so the listing on Amazon France doesn't exactly come off as unbelievable. Nor is it a surprise to suppose Activision might want to capitalize on Treyarch's most financially successful -- not to mention critically acclaimed -- Call of Duty titles.

Activision's US reps have yet to get back to us when asked for comment.

[Image credit: GameBlog.fr]

JoystiqReport: 'Black Ops 2' listing spotted on Amazon France originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazonamazon-francecall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2franceplaystationps3reporttreyarchtreyarch-studiosFri, 17 Feb 2012 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[EU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/#comments The European Union provides us a small-scale glimpse into the potential functions of a truly global society -- and more recently, a global society in crisis. The unified currency of the EU, the Euro, was on the brink of collapse recently and all of its member countries are still running damage control.

Now, France in particular is facing another monetary hurdle, as its tax incentive for game development has expired and casued "genuine concern" the EU may not renew the exception that would reinstate it. State aid is normally forbidden under EU law, but in some cases it is allowed -- without an exception, game-development tax incentives would be banned in all EU countries, including France and the UK, Develop reports.

French developer Quantic Dream (Heavy Rain) said that if the tax break is not reinstated it would relocate its operations to Canada, which does offer incentives for development companies, Develop adds. And according to TIGA, The UK's game-development workforce -- which sees no tax breaks -- fell 10 percent between 2008 and 2011, with 41 percent of its workers relocating overseas to countries such as Canada.

JoystiqEU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaEUeuropeEuropean-UnionfranceHeavy-Rainmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3quantic-dreamtax-breakstaxesvitawiixboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS guides to replace audio guides at the Louvre next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/3ds-guides-to-replace-audio-guides-at-the-louvre-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/3ds-guides-to-replace-audio-guides-at-the-louvre-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/3ds-guides-to-replace-audio-guides-at-the-louvre-next-year/#comments LHOOQ The AFP reports that France's famous Louvre museum will begin replacing its traditional audio guides with 3DS consoles in March of 2012. Nintendo will give the museum 5,000 of its handhelds, which will run special software developed by the company.

The software will allow visitors to locate their position in the (very, very large) museum, as well as offering itineraries and, of course, traditional audio commentaries. The museum told the AFP that the move was made in order to better accommodate today's museum goers, who are more accustomed to interacting with touch screens.

Frankly, we're just hoping we can finally nab Leonardo da Vinci for our Mii Plaza.

Joystiq3DS guides to replace audio guides at the Louvre next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfrancelouvrenintendoFri, 16 Dec 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: French delivery truck hijacked, 6,000 copies of Modern Warfare 3 stolen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/report-french-delivery-truck-hijacked-6-000-copies-of-modern-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/report-french-delivery-truck-hijacked-6-000-copies-of-modern-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/report-french-delivery-truck-hijacked-6-000-copies-of-modern-w/#comments A delivery truck in Créteil, France carrying 6,000 copies of Modern Warfare 3 was hijacked and stolen on Saturday by two masked people, French news outlets TFI and Ultimate PS3 reported. The truck crashed with a car, and when the truck's drivers exited, two people in masks tear-gassed them before taking off with the games, TFI said. The shipment was reported to be worth 400,000 euros ($551,000).

If you're in the Créteil area and happen to see two people in a delivery truck grinning like maniacs and most likely high-fiving a lot, you may want to contact the authorities. And everyone -- let's settle down. Modern Warfare 3 comes out on Tuesday. It's not worth jail time to play this one a few hours early.

JoystiqReport: French delivery truck hijacked, 6,000 copies of Modern Warfare 3 stolen originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3delivery-truckfrancehighway-robberyhijackmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxSun, 06 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Prelude to punches: 11 gameplay videos for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/prelude-to-punches-11-gameplay-videos-for-ultimate-marvel-vs-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/prelude-to-punches-11-gameplay-videos-for-ultimate-marvel-vs-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/prelude-to-punches-11-gameplay-videos-for-ultimate-marvel-vs-c/#comments
First Soulcalibur 5, and now Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3? We don't know what the French have done to get into such good graces with Japan's fighting game developers, but we're going to start taking notes. We want in on some of this pre-release expo-match lovin'.

While we're out buying cigarettes and complicated foods to up our Frenchness, take a long gander at these 11 UMvC3 videos from a recent expo-match event at Paris' Manga Cafe, lovingly captured and uploaded by YouTube user Pharaon92i (with permission from Capcom France). Most of the new characters are represented, including the very best new character, so head on through for a look at the many punches you'll be receiving come November 15.

Continue reading Prelude to punches: 11 gameplay videos for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

JoystiqPrelude to punches: 11 gameplay videos for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfrancefrenchmarvel-vs-capcom-3microsoftmvc3playstationps3ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3umvc3xboxSat, 29 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[French court bans DS 'game copier' devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/french-court-bans-ds-game-copier-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/french-court-bans-ds-game-copier-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/french-court-bans-ds-game-copier-devices/#comments Baby Pirates Forever Nearly two years after French courts ruled in favor of Nintendo DS flash cartridge sellers, it appears that prosecutors have won their appeal. The Paris Court of Appeals has ruled against Divineo and five other companies responsible for selling devices similar to the R4, which allow users to run unofficial code (pirated games included) on the Nintendo DS.

In its statement (PDF), Nintendo revealed that the companies have been charged over €460,000 in criminal fines, as well as over €4.8 million in damages to Nintendo. The company didn't offer specifics, though the ruling included some suspended prison sentences as well. Nintendo unsurprisingly cheered the news, noting that the decision "represents a strong message to French companies dealing in these devices, that such activities are illegal and will not be tolerated." The company also took a moment to thank law enforcement agencies that took part in raids to confiscate the devices in question (something Nintendo has gotten quite adept at over the years).

The victory comes as part of Nintendo's ever vigilant campaign against piracy, which has seen lawsuits everywhere from Australia to New York, with some cases leading to similar nationwide bans. Nintendo has also stopped eBay and Amazon from selling flash carts, and has even enlisted the aid of its own customers.

And, most important of all, the company has inspired Joystiq's Baby Pirates comic series, which is now teetering on the brink of irrelevancy. Thanks, Nintendo.

JoystiqFrench court bans DS 'game copier' devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-piracybabypiratesdsfrancenintendor4Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD launching Euro sales tracking service, focusing on digital for a 'global perspective']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/npd-launching-euro-sales-tracking-service-focusing-on-digital-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/npd-launching-euro-sales-tracking-service-focusing-on-digital-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/npd-launching-euro-sales-tracking-service-focusing-on-digital-f/#comments On Monday, NPD announced it was partnering with EEDAR to extend its retail research reports to the digital domain. Today, having braved the great digital divide, the New York-based company announced it was ready to brave another, less digital divide: the Atlantic Ocean. Beginning with Q4 2011 sales, NPD will offer a version of its "Games Industry: Total Consumer Spend" service that tracks "consumer spending for games content" across Europe's "largest video game markets," meaning UK, France, and Germany.

While companies like Chart-Track already provide retail insight in the UK, NPD says its "service in Europe will focus on measuring channels that are not currently tracked in Europe - namely those occurring outside of new physical retail sales." Why look at digital in Europe? We bet NPD industry analyst Anita Frazier has a great answer for that. "The new digital distribution channels in video games are not country specific," Frazier told a press release. "They are global in nature, which is why NPD is taking its proven, proprietary methodology, developed over a number of years, and applying it to a global perspective."

JoystiqNPD launching Euro sales tracking service, focusing on digital for a 'global perspective' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsEuropefrancegermanymicrosoftnintendonpdplaystationps3pspsonyukwiixboxThu, 11 Aug 2011 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[French studio Blossom Minds founded by former Eden Games designers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/french-studio-blossom-minds-founded-by-former-eden-games-designe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/french-studio-blossom-minds-founded-by-former-eden-games-designe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/french-studio-blossom-minds-founded-by-former-eden-games-designe/#comments Blossom Minds is a new, independent French developer with a cheery chia-head logo and a desire to make "smaller games but with big production polish." The studio's first game is set to debut in 2012 through unannounced digital distribution channels.

Before co-founding Blossom Minds, Jérôme Braune worked with Eden Games as a designer on open-world racer Test Drive 2 and Atari's survival-horror reboot, Alone in the Dark. Braune and nine others left Eden Games to pursue this publisher-free path, and claim that 13 years of shared experience in traditional businesses have taught them how to make "innovative game experiences for demanding gamers."

In order to convey the team's spirit, the press release offers this cute quote: "We are done with AAA titles; let us bring the OOOOOOH! instead."

JoystiqFrench studio Blossom Minds founded by former Eden Games designers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkblossom-mindsdigital-distributioneden-gamesfrancejerome-braunetest-drive-2Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Hacks: Invade space to control Space Invaders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/kinect-hacks-invade-space-to-control-space-invaders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/kinect-hacks-invade-space-to-control-space-invaders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/kinect-hacks-invade-space-to-control-space-invaders/#comments Space Invaders is a classic arcade title, presenting a simple premise and an almost infinite progression system. But there's just one thing needed to make it perfect. According to coder Derrgis, who created this version for the ElectroShock Festival, it's motion controls with Kinect.

Continue reading Kinect Hacks: Invade space to control Space Invaders

JoystiqKinect Hacks: Invade space to control Space Invaders originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francekinect-hacksmicrosoftmotion-controlpcspace-invadersxboxFri, 08 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Student-made 'White' redefines 'F.P.S.']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/student-made-white-redefines-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/student-made-white-redefines-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/student-made-white-redefines-fps/#comments Created by first-year students at ENJIM, the Graduate School of Games and Interactive Medias in Angoulême, France, White plays on the classic FPS formula by asking players not just to shoot, but to: "Frag, Paint and Share." Designed in just four months, the game is, curiously, "based on both the player's violence and creativity."

You traverse a flat, white canvas, fragging multicolored "Calvis" -- chubby Pikmin-like creatures -- which bleed and burst into beautiful splatter (paint!). Get this: The logo pictured above is actually a bird's-eye view of the after-action gameworld, called a "Whitepaper." Players are encouraged to share these murderous works of art through the official game site.

White was released today for PC. You can download the game here -- it's free! Check out the launch trailer after the break.

Continue reading Student-made 'White' redefines 'F.P.S.'

JoystiqStudent-made 'White' redefines 'F.P.S.' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charles-mounalenjimfpsfrancepcstudentwhiteTue, 26 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed artwork being showcased in Paris gallery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/assassins-creed-artwork-being-showcased-in-paris-gallery/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/assassins-creed-artwork-being-showcased-in-paris-gallery/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/assassins-creed-artwork-being-showcased-in-paris-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Parisian gallery Arludik will feature concept art created for the Assassin's Creed series during the month of October. "Assassin's Creed L'Exposition" will run from October 5-30 and features 35 pieces of original concept art. Ubisoft claims the canvases have been appraised between €600 ($820) and €2,000 ($2,725).

If you'd like to own a piece of the exhibit, two pieces were selected to have a limited run of 149 lithograph prints. Those will go on sale, likely in the limited edition section of the gallery's website, for €80 ($110). Those pieces will come with a certificate of authenticity and will be hand-signed by Ubi's graphic art director. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to MO5, an organization seeking to preserve the history of video games.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed artwork being showcased in Paris gallery originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArludikartartworkAssassins-Creedassassins-creed-2Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerfrancemicrosoftparispcplaystationps3UbisoftxboxThu, 30 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanquish Limited Edition sliding into UK and French retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/vanquish-limited-edition-sliding-into-uk-and-french-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/vanquish-limited-edition-sliding-into-uk-and-french-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/vanquish-limited-edition-sliding-into-uk-and-french-retailers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Right between our Fallout 3 Vault Boy bobblehead and our BioShock Big Daddy statue is a gaping hole -- a gaping hole approximately three inches wide and seven inches tall. Wouldn't you know it, Sega of Europe just this morning announced a limited edition version of forthcoming Platinum-developed Vanquish with a seven inch tall statue of the game's main character, Sam Gideon.

The LE will be exclusive in the UK to retailer Zavvi (not to be confused with Navi or the Nav'i), whereas Game will carry it in France. The asking price is £54.95 ($85) in the UK, and no price has been listed by Game for the French release.

Update: Sega confirmed to Joystiq that there will be no US release of the Limited Edition.

JoystiqVanquish Limited Edition sliding into UK and French retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefrancelimited-editionmicrosoftplaystationps3segaukvanquishxboxTue, 14 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[French Bad Company 2 ads ape military ad slogan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/french-bad-company-2-ads-ape-military-ad-slogan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/french-bad-company-2-ads-ape-military-ad-slogan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/french-bad-company-2-ads-ape-military-ad-slogan/#comments
[Erwan Cario]

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, EA's marketing team (at least the one that handles the company's French ads) was really, really trying to flatter the French military with its latest Bad Company 2 ads. Adopting the slogan "Devenez Plus Que Vous-Meme" for its website ("Be More Than Yourself"), EA has seemingly borrowed the French military's strikingly similar "Devenez Vous Meme" ("Be Yourself.")

"We are clearly in a situation of abuse of slogan ... So far, our campaign is working very well, we have very good returns," French army general Philippe Pontiès told Écrans. Allegedly, the posters will be altered sometime in the coming weeks, with the French military and EA reaching an agreement amenably. Perhaps unsurprisingly, EA has chosen not to comment.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqFrench Bad Company 2 ads ape military ad slogan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2eaElectronic-ArtsfrancemarketingMicrosoftphilippe-pontiesXbox-360Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA estimates 'over 9.78 million' pirated game downloads in December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/esa-estimates-over-9-78-million-pirated-game-downloads-in-dece/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/esa-estimates-over-9-78-million-pirated-game-downloads-in-dece/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/esa-estimates-over-9-78-million-pirated-game-downloads-in-dece/#comments
[Joriel Jiminez]
So, okay, seriously, there are a lot of people out there stealing games. Like, lots. "Over 9.78 million" in just December of 2009, more specifically, according to a recent study conducted by the International Intellectual Property Alliance and the Entertainment Software Association. Scouring "the most popular peer-to-peer platforms" for a group of 200 titles, the study found that the worst offenders (by country) were Spain (12.5 percent), France (7.5 percent), Brazil (6 percent) and China (5.7 percent) -- the ESA also points out that these stats "demonstrate a strong correlation between countries that lack sufficient protections for technological protection measures and countries where online piracy levels for entertainment software are high."

Worse yet, the figures are repeatedly noted as being an under-representation of actual piracy numbers. "While they account for illegal downloads that occur over select P2P platforms, they do not account for the downloads that occur from 'cyberlockers' and 'one-click' hosting sites, which continue to account for high volumes of infringing downloads," the ESA echoes. The IIPA has since submitted the findings to the United States Trade Representative who could potentially impose sanctions on certain countries based on the recommendations.

JoystiqESA estimates 'over 9.78 million' pirated game downloads in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilchinadigital-distributionesafranceiipainternational-intellectual-property-alliancepeer-to-peerpiracyspainthe-esaunited-states-trade-representativeFri, 19 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain, God of War III PS3 bundles listed for Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/heavy-rain-god-of-war-iii-ps3-bundles-listed-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/heavy-rain-god-of-war-iii-ps3-bundles-listed-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/heavy-rain-god-of-war-iii-ps3-bundles-listed-for-europe/#commentsIf you're in Europe, you'll have the option to buy an even bigger, more expensive, but less crazy God of War III box than the "Ultimate Trilogy Edition." An Amazon.fr listing for a God of War III PS3 bundle has been spotted, complete with very believable image. According to Amazon, it'll be available March 17 for €349.95 (roughly $490) and will include the game and a 250GB PS3.

A similar bundle will also be released for Heavy Rain on February 24 for the same price, according to Amazon France -- and wouldn't you know, the bundle box image is classier than the North American game box. There's also a supposed MAG bundle due out January 29, but Amazon just shows the bundle as a regular 250GB PS3 and a copy of MAG.

[Via Kotaku; thanks francisco dang!]

JoystiqHeavy Rain, God of War III PS3 bundles listed for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gbamazonbundleeuropefrancegod-of-war-iiiheavy-rainInteractive-DramamagQuantic-DreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThu, 21 Jan 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo appealing French flash cart ruling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/nintendo-appealing-french-flash-cart-ruling/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/nintendo-appealing-french-flash-cart-ruling/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/nintendo-appealing-french-flash-cart-ruling/#commentsA Paris criminal court recently ruled in favor of Divineo, a company that sells DS flash carts. In a statement, Nintendo said that it was "extremely disappointed with the decision by Paris Criminal Court to find Max Louarn, his company, Divineo, and other co-defendants not guilty in the criminal case involving the sale and distribution of game copying devices," and that the company "welcomes the prosecutor's decision to appeal the judgment. As a victim Nintendo will join his appeal."

In the statement, Nintendo noted that Divineo still owes the company damages from a ruling made in Nintendo's favor in Hong Kong last year. Last month, a Spanish criminal case was dismissed against a company selling DS flash carts, with the judge in that case ruling that the carts are not illegal since they can be used for many non-infringing purposes.

JoystiqNintendo appealing French flash cart ruling originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divineoDSflashcartfranceNintendopiracyThu, 10 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[French police avert school shooting, 13-year-old boy apprehended]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/french-police-avert-school-shooting-13-year-old-boy-apprehended/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/french-police-avert-school-shooting-13-year-old-boy-apprehended/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/french-police-avert-school-shooting-13-year-old-boy-apprehended/#comments According to a report from The Times, French authorities have prevented a school shooting by arresting a 13-year-old boy before he could exact revenge on his teachers for poor marks. Raymond Yeddou, a senior state official in Beauvais, is quoted as saying, "He left his home with a loaded shotgun and 25 cartridges. He went in the direction of the school where, according to his statement, he intended to kill all his teachers." The boy now faces charges of attempted murder.

As GamePolitics notes, several reports -- including the one from The Times, which boasts the headline, "Computer games fan 'planned school massacre'" -- have drawn a connection between the presumably foiled attack and the young boy's hobbies. Piggybacking on word of the boy playing World of Warcraft and other games until "one or two in the morning," the mainstream media has once again attempted to trace unusual, outcast criminal behavior to a culturally entrenched and widespread hobby.

Unless you plan to thoroughly investigate the complex impetus for a planned school shooting, the only use in linking a young boy to video games is to remind us what year we're in. Protip, media: It's 2009. And you're still doing it.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqFrench police avert school shooting, 13-year-old boy apprehended originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beauvaiscrimefrancemainstreamraymond-yeddousensationalismthe-timesThu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft acquires TrackMania dev to build online cred]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ubisoft-acquires-trackmania-dev-to-build-online-cred/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ubisoft-acquires-trackmania-dev-to-build-online-cred/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/ubisoft-acquires-trackmania-dev-to-build-online-cred/#comments Ubisoft must have found TrackMania creator Nadeo to really be speaking its language, as the French publisher has acquired the, uh, French developer in a bid to drift into the online gaming sector. "Through Nadeo, Ubisoft will gain an expert team, one of the best online technologies around as well as a flagship multiplayer game that enjoys an unrivaled reputation among a loyal and committed community," Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot observed.

The acquisition of Nadeo comes just weeks after the developer announced a true TrackMania sequel, TrackMania 2, at the Paris Games Festival.

JoystiqUbisoft acquires TrackMania dev to build online cred originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionacquisitionsesportesportsfrancemultiplayernadeoonlineparisracingtackmaniatrackmania-2ubisoftTue, 06 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[French prisoner snakes past guards in cardboard box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/french-prisoner-snakes-past-guards-in-cardboard-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/french-prisoner-snakes-past-guards-in-cardboard-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/french-prisoner-snakes-past-guards-in-cardboard-box/#comments The first time someone snuck out of a real-life prison by stuffing themselves inside a cardboard box, we found it amusing. The second time, though, we have to wonder how this keeps happening. According to the Telegraph, French inmate Jean-Pierre Treiber constructed a cardboard box in the prisoner's workshop at the Auxerre, Burgundy "high-security" prison at which he was awaiting trial. When no one was around last Tuesday morning, Treiber himself hopped in the box and awaited loading with "dozens" of other boxes, only hopping out of his concealment well after the truck had left the prison.

In 2004, Treiber was accused of murdering French actor Roland Giraud's daughter, Geraldine, as well as her friend Katia Lherbier. Giraud calls the escape an "avowal" of Treiber's guilt, while Treiber's lawyer says it may be an indication of his client's absence of faith in the justice system. Either way, one thing's for sure: We either need fewer cardboard boxes in European prisons or more prison guards with suspiciously narrow vision cones.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading French prisoner snakes past guards in cardboard box

JoystiqFrench prisoner snakes past guards in cardboard box originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardboardcardboard-boxfrancejean-pierre-treibermetal-gearmetal-gear-solidprisonprison-breakroland-giraudFri, 11 Sep 2009 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Le controversy over French hobo sim, 'Clodogame']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/le-controversy-over-french-hobo-sim-clodogame/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/le-controversy-over-french-hobo-sim-clodogame/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/le-controversy-over-french-hobo-sim-clodogame/#comments Having launched a few weeks ago and having amassed over 5,000 users, German-developed Clodogame ("Trampgame", en Anglais) is off to a good start. At least it would be if it weren't inciting outrage among French citizens, who accuse the game of perpetuating a negative public image of the homeless in France, according to a Telegraph report. "The image portrayed is exactly the one against which we've been trying to fight," Red Cross spokesperson Jean-François Riffaud told Le Parisien.

From the little of the game we played (er, could translate with limited French-speaking ability), we weren't exactly outraged. It's a free-to-play, text-based kingpin sim set in Paris where players are encouraged to "attack other homeless people," and engage in a variety of thieving and coercion tactics. That does seem like a fairly negative portrayal, but we've become a bit desensitized to the matter after investing hours into games like Manhunt, Condemned and inFamous, where all the homeless people become murderous criminals and targets for your electrical super powers.

[Via Game Politics]

JoystiqLe controversy over French hobo sim, 'Clodogame' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversyfrancehomelessjean-francois-riffaudpctrampgameTue, 01 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[1 vs. 100 beta begins in UK this week, Germany and France on July 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/1-vs-100-beta-begins-in-uk-this-week-germany-and-france-on-jul/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/1-vs-100-beta-begins-in-uk-this-week-germany-and-france-on-jul/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/1-vs-100-beta-begins-in-uk-this-week-germany-and-france-on-jul/#comments
Xbox European Community Manager Graeme Boyd tweeted word that 1 vs. 100 will begin its beta in the UK on July 10, with France and Germany joining on July 12. There is currently no information about 1 contra 100, 1 contro 100, 1 tegenover 100, 1 против 100 nor any other territories.

The US version is also currently still in beta, but begins offering "skill-based prizes" on July 10 (this Friday). Oh, and a word of advice for our European friends: Never trust "The Brain!"

Joystiq1 vs. 100 beta begins in UK this week, Germany and France on July 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-1001-vs-100-betaeuropefrancegermanymicrosoftukXbox-360Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[MS partners with Canal+ for on-demand programs in France]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/ms-partners-with-canal-for-on-demand-programs-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/ms-partners-with-canal-for-on-demand-programs-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/ms-partners-with-canal-for-on-demand-programs-in-france/#comments
MCV reports that Microsoft has signed a deal with Canal+ to provide on-demand programming to France via the Xbox 360. Microsoft will utilize the Canal+ on-demand service Canalplay, which offers movies and television programs, and will also offer the football (soccer) channel Foot+. According to MCV, the deal will eventually expand to include other Canal+ services and other Microsoft platforms as well.

Welcome to the magical world of Xbox video on-demand, France. Or should we say bienvenue?

JoystiqMS partners with Canal+ for on-demand programs in France originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canaleuropefrancemicrosoftvideo-on-demandMon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom looking for a few good Street Fighter IV Xbox 360 players in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/capcom-looking-for-a-few-good-street-fighter-iv-xbox-360-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/capcom-looking-for-a-few-good-street-fighter-iv-xbox-360-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/capcom-looking-for-a-few-good-street-fighter-iv-xbox-360-players/#comments
Capcom has been combing the desert Europe looking for the best Street Fighter IV players around, Eurogamer reports. Utilizing the new Championship mode to track your Grade Points (which determines your overall rank in the standings, naturally), the contest is open starting today and ends on May 17. Then, on the week of May 30, the best 30 fighters from each of the participating countries -- UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain -- will be matched up to decide the champion of each nation. After that, the five winners will then be flown to a secret location (we're crossing our fingers for inside of a volcano) on the weekend of June 13 to compete for the grand prize: an Aerox R Yamaha scooter and matching SFIV jackets.

If you're a Joystiq reader, and you make it to the finals and win this scooter, we suggest you name it Sasha.

JoystiqCapcom looking for a few good Street Fighter IV Xbox 360 players in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomeuropefrancegermanyitalysashasfivspainstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivtournamentukFri, 24 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European bands sign up for World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/european-bands-sign-up-for-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/european-bands-sign-up-for-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/european-bands-sign-up-for-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: ,

Because Activision loves you all equally, it's decided to offer a bunch of downloadable Guitar Hero World Tour tracks from European bands.

Our knowledge of non-UK European music extends to ABBA, Kraftwerk, and, embarrassingly, 2 Unlimited, so we're laughably out of our depth commenting on these (though Swedish group Backyard Babies already appeared in Guitar Hero III, so that name does ring a bell). Mind you, some of them sound pretty good (videos of all six follow the break), and we're certain our millions of Dutch readers are going wild over the inclusion of Di-Rect. 200 Wii points each, if you're interested.
  • "'54, '74, '90, 2010" by Sportfreunde Stiller (Germany)
  • "Dis Moi" by BB Brunes (France)
  • "Por La Boca Vive El Pez" by Fito Y Fitipaldis (Spain)
  • "Mama Mae" by Negrita (Italy)
  • "Degenerated" by Backyard Babies (Sweden)
  • "Johnny" by Di-Rect (Holland)

Continue reading European bands sign up for World Tour

JoystiqEuropean bands sign up for World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlceuropefrancegermanyguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-touritalymusicnetherlandsspainswedenvicarious-visionsThu, 11 Dec 2008 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Man plays Mario Kart with real motorists in France]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/man-plays-mario-kart-with-real-motorists-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/man-plays-mario-kart-with-real-motorists-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/man-plays-mario-kart-with-real-motorists-in-france/#commentsFiled under: ,


While we'd never suggest doing Mario Kart in real life like this yourself, we have to admit that it's pretty darn hilarious. Even though a minivan or truck could squash young prankster Rémi Gaillard with ease, we commend him for coming up with such a great idea. Oh, and for having the kind of friends that aren't too concerned with his safety so that such a thing could be filmed and put on the internet for all to see.


[Via Game | Life]

JoystiqMan plays Mario Kart with real motorists in France originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francefrenchmario-kartmario-kart-wiiFri, 05 Dec 2008 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[le Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/le-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/le-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/le-blob/#commentsFiled under:


For some reason, this French-language trailer for de Blob got a wide release on the web, one which we are helping to propagate, which only serves to make our surprise at its spread more ironic. We can't help it, though -- de Blob is just such a joy to look at that we want to share any video content we see. Check out de Blob doing the Robot! Watch him get down, watch him get down!

Also there's the fact that the French narration makes the game seem so classy! Of course, all we know of French, we learned from that one Muzzy commercial.

Joystiqle Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-blobfranceplatformthqThu, 14 Aug 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom sets up le shoppe in France]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/capcom-sets-up-le-shoppe-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/capcom-sets-up-le-shoppe-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/capcom-sets-up-le-shoppe-in-france/#commentsFiled under:

France may not have the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, but it will soon have Capcom. The publisher is opening offices in the country that brought us such great things as champagne, escargot, and jokes about France as part of continuing efforts to increase sales of its games in Europe.

Capcom Entertainment France will report directly to Capcom Entertainment Europe, and we're sure it will soon be hard at work on localized versions of such famous franchises as Homme de Méga, Combattant de Rue, and Mal Résident.

JoystiqCapcom sets up le shoppe in France originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfranceThu, 03 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[26 million Wiis for the world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/26-million-wiis-for-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/26-million-wiis-for-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/26-million-wiis-for-the-world/#commentsFiled under:

When in doubt, ask the French. The Interactive Digital Entertainment Festival at Cannes spurred some comments from Stephan Bole, head honcho of Nintendo France. A sales announcement revealed an interesting fact about the Wii -- it has sold over 26 million units globally. That's like, a lot of Wiis. More than seven.

In comparison, the Xbox 360 has sold 20 million units, while the PS3 is lagging with 14 million. The festival brought no announcement of a Wii price drop, and it's still selling out the door for 249 Euros. Bole made a generic statement about women and the elderley being a major factor in the Wii's success (which we already knew), but 26 million is still mighty impressive.

Joystiq26 million Wiis for the world originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefranceidefinteractive-digital-entertainment-festivalsalesstephan-boleWed, 25 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab some real-life Boom Blox with the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


... if you're in France. Despite much frantic hunting on the internets, we've only been able to locate this neat little piece of Boom Blox merchandise at a French outlet, where it's being given away to those who purchase the game early (Boom Blox launches across Europe tomorrow).

Although it lacks a ball to knock your blocks down with once you've finished building, assembling this puzzle is probably the perfect way to pass the time while your family plays on Boom Blox and you stubbornly refuse to admit that you might have been wrong. Bah. Oh, one word of advice, though: handle with care.

JoystiqGrab some real-life Boom Blox with the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeafamilyfrancepartypre-orderpreorderpuzzlespielbergsteven-spielbergThu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sacre bleu! French soccer team banned from Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/sacre-bleu-french-soccer-team-banned-from-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/sacre-bleu-french-soccer-team-banned-from-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/sacre-bleu-french-soccer-team-banned-from-wii/#commentsFiled under:

French national football soccer team coach Raymond Domenech is a strange one. A keen astrologer who shies from picking Scorpios for his squad (apparently, he "doesn't trust them"), Domenech has now banned his players from playing on the Wii. We like to think that Raymond is a regular Wii Fanboy reader, and has read up on previous Wii-related injuries! We're probably being overly hopeful.

Anyway, the French side is due to take part in the European Championships this summer (read: a big deal), so clearly Domenech wants to give his team every possible edge. Rubbish old England failed to qualify, of course, so they're welcome to play all the Wii they want. Silver linings and all that, eh chaps?

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqSacre bleu! French soccer team banned from Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballfrancesoccersportswiinjuryMon, 10 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Robots recruit DS for inevitable war against humans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/robots-recruit-ds-for-inevitable-war-against-humans/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/robots-recruit-ds-for-inevitable-war-against-humans/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/robots-recruit-ds-for-inevitable-war-against-humans/#commentsFiled under: ,


How many times do we have to remind you, kids -- tinkering with advanced robot technology will only lead to humanity's doom. Have you learned nothing from watching The Matrix? 2001: A Space Odyssey? The Terminator? When robots play, they play for keeps! With your life!

Ignoring our pleas of reason, a group of six engineering students in France have been working since last February to enslave a Pekee robot, programming the cute-but-deadly machine to follow orders sent from a Nintendo DS. As demonstrated in the video above, the team developed six different steering methods to pilot the Pekee with:
 Pretty cool, right? Just think, one day in the not-so-distant future, that little vacuum-shaped automaton will hunt your children down for sport!

JoystiqRobots recruit DS for inevitable war against humans originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francemicmotionpekeerobotMon, 04 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubidays 2008 coming May 28-29 in Paris]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/ubidays-2008-coming-may-28-29-in-paris/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/ubidays-2008-coming-may-28-29-in-paris/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/ubidays-2008-coming-may-28-29-in-paris/#commentsFiled under: ,

European gaming giant Ubisoft has settled on a fairly classy location for
its second annual trade show - the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Ubidays 2008 will run two days, starting Wednesday, May 28. Invitations have begun to arrive at European press and business partners, according to MCV.

Ubisoft has not revealed a lineup or event program for the event. Last year's Ubidays showed off Assassin's Creed, Tom Clancy's EndWar, and Splinter Cell: Conviction, and teased gamers with a Wii holographic projector.

JoystiqUbidays 2008 coming May 28-29 in Paris originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefrancelouvreparisubidaysubisoftThu, 17 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wish upon a StarLite: StarCraft homebrew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wish-upon-a-starlite-starcraft-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wish-upon-a-starlite-starcraft-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wish-upon-a-starlite-starcraft-homebrew/#commentsFiled under:

Yes, dreams can come true. With no official plans announced for a DS port of StarCraft or any of Blizzard's other PC games, two French homebrew developers have begun working on bringing the popular RTS to the handheld themselves, titling the game StarLite.

A limited demo (version 0.1) is available for you to test out in an emulator or flashcart of your choice, and, while it's clear there's still a lot of work ahead for the project, it's impressive how much the two-man crew has already accomplished in just three weeks of development. So far, players can select and direct units via touchscreen, build simple structures, and produce additional units. There are even a few enemy troops to attack.

The team plans to continue their work, eventually implementing the rest of the units/structures and a WiFi ad-hoc multiplayer mode for two players. To do all that, however, they'll need some help from several more programmers, so don't be afraid to volunteer your skills to the effort! Hit the gallery below for more early screenshots from StarLite.

JoystiqWish upon a StarLite: StarCraft homebrew originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardemulatorfranceromrtsstarcraftstardevstarliteThu, 03 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 sales surpass 360 in France, marginally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/ps3-sales-surpass-360-in-france-marginally/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/ps3-sales-surpass-360-in-france-marginally/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/ps3-sales-surpass-360-in-france-marginally/#commentsFiled under:

In a twist of events, the PS3 has overtaken Xbox 360 in terms of hardware sales, according to a recent survey conducted in France. According to the survey, the PS3 has found a place to stay in 5% of homes, of the people surveyed. The Wii is, of course, way ahead of the other two consoles at 11% and the 360 actually fell short of the PS3 at 4%, despite having an extra year to accumulate sales.

So, does this mean anything? Not really. If we assume that every single home surveyed only has one console, then only 20% of people in France play videogames. That's silly. But if you want us to spin it, there you go. PS3 has overtaken the 360 in France. Kind of. If you're curious about other gaming-related revelations in France, check out the translated results. We'll light the fireworks when 65% or more of homes tout their PS3 proudly, even alongside another console.

JoystiqPS3 sales surpass 360 in France, marginally originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360franceplaystation-3ps3xbox-360Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumour: Brits head to France for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/rumour-brits-head-to-france-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/rumour-brits-head-to-france-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/rumour-brits-head-to-france-for-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Are England's gamers Chunneling their way to Wii ownership? They are according to British tabloid The Daily Mirror, which reports that the English are desperate enough for their Wii's to travel to another country for them.

According to the Mirror, the French city of Calais has seen British shoppers lining up outside of its electronics stores to snag the oft-coveted console. The Channel Tunnel train arrives in France near the coastal city, where many shops have instituted a "one oui Wii per customer" policy. Despite the shortages seen in the States and in England, the Nintendo Wii can still be readily found in France. Good news for the English. And how nice for the French, too!

JoystiqRumour: Brits head to France for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francerumorsshortagesukWiiWed, 12 Dec 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[British flock to France to find Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/british-flock-to-france-to-find-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/british-flock-to-france-to-find-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/british-flock-to-france-to-find-wii/#commentsFiled under:

British tabloid The Mirror is reporting that due to the scarcity of the console in the UK, many have apparently taken trips to neighboring country France in order to track one down. Where the console is going for upwards of £1,000 on eBay, many are apparently finding success in French shops, where the console sells for £150 (or about €209).

The credibility of the paper is questionable, however our own UK blogger Chris has mentioned that he's heard of people being successful in Calais. So, if you're someone living in the UK and looking for a Wii, don't go over to France thinking you're guaranteed to leave with a Wii, but it might be worth a try. Still, the country just sold its millionth Wii, so the demand is there, as well.

JoystiqBritish flock to France to find Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francestocksupplyukWed, 12 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EU approves tax breaks for developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/eu-approves-tax-breaks-for-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/eu-approves-tax-breaks-for-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/eu-approves-tax-breaks-for-developers/#commentsFiled under: ,


The European Commission has approved film industry tax breaks to the video game industry. The request was made by the French government and the program will offer a 20% rebate to games that have a "criteria of quality, originality and contribute to cultural diversity." It is estimated that half of the games created in Europe this year would have qualified for the rebate. There's obviously some easy French jokes that could be tossed in here, but let's build bridges, shall we?

Governments recognizing games as "culture" and supporting the industry with tax incentives is an issue that's popping up with developers all over the world. Canada is kind to developers, while Australian developers (last time we heard) continue to fight for tax breaks in their country where the film industry actually gets a 40% tax rebate. The countries which cut the costs, promote the industry and look yummy to developers already strapped for cash.

JoystiqEU approves tax breaks for developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsfrancetaxtaxbreakWed, 12 Dec 2007 09:20:00 EST